Imane Khelif, the Olympic boxing champion, has filed a legal complaint in France due to online harassment she experienced following the Paris Olympics. The harassment included a wave of false claims and criticism about her gender. Khelif’s lawyer, Nabil Boudi, disclosed this development on Sunday.
Khelif, who won a gold medal in the women’s welterweight division last Friday, has risen to prominence in her home country of Algeria and has shone a spotlight on women’s boxing worldwide. However, alongside her victory, she has endured a stream of online abuse that has prompted her to take legal action.
The complaint was lodged on Friday with a specialized unit within the Paris prosecutor’s office, which focuses on combating online hate speech. The complaint accuses those involved of "aggravated cyber-harassment" aimed at Khelif. Boudi condemned the attacks, describing them as part of a "misogynistic, racist, and sexist campaign" against her.
In a public statement, Boudi highlighted Khelif’s determination to protect her reputation and seek justice. "After winning a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Imane Khelif has decided to embark on another battle—a fight for justice, dignity, and honor," he said. He confirmed that Khelif had approached his law firm, which then filed the complaint with the Paris prosecutor's office.
Boudi also called for a thorough investigation to uncover those responsible for launching the hateful campaign against Khelif. He described the harassment she endured as a "significant blemish" on these Olympic Games.
Khelif’s gold medal victory in the women's welterweight final, achieved by a unanimous decision against China's Yang Liu, was a moment of triumph. However, as she transitions from the ring to the courtroom, Khelif’s fight now centers on protecting her dignity and standing against the baseless and harmful accusations that have marred her Olympic success.
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